Some of the thickets of brush 'round here are nearly impassable. We knocked down one such area Saturday, clearing viburnum and honeysuckle with the help of two brush-cutters and one chainsaw. Cut a lot, burned a lot, ate peppermint Joe-Joes (a budding Palos holiday tradition?), and walked away anticipating the next round.

Black Partridge December 20

Starting 10-15 yards north of a previously cleared area, we worked our way back towards it. By 3 p.m. we had broken through, thanks largely to the efforts of new volunteer Craig, on the left side of the last photo below. Another in a string of productive days.